Thursday, 10 September 2026

 Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:58): (2616) My question today is for the Minister for Skills and Training, and I am raising this matter on behalf of a constituent of mine who lives in Templestowe with her partner. She is keen to study here in Victoria. However, she currently holds a bridging visa while waiting for a partner visa subclass 820 outcome and therefore would have to pay prohibitive fees to study at a Victorian TAFE or university. People can be waiting for a partner visa outcome for many, many years, and my constituent is keen to continue to progress her life here, including by accessing education. In other states, such as South Australia and New South Wales, there is broader access to subsidised training for at least some people on bridging or temporary partner visas. At a time when we have many skills shortages here in Victoria, I support allowing people who are establishing their lives here and simply waiting for more permanent visas to be granted to be able to access affordable education in this state. Minister, will you consider subsidising training for Victorian residents, including those in the North-Eastern Metro Region, who are on bridging visas or waiting for a partner visa outcome?